The Ghulatis on the Go family began a road trip from Nahan, Himachal Pradesh, with Rishikesh as their destination. Their journey started from the Green Acres Resort in Nahan, nestled within a jungle. The initial leg of their drive involved navigating an off-road track leading out of the resort, which offered a unique adventure before they reached the main highway. This segment of the trip provided an early taste of the varied landscapes they would encounter.
The route was planned to take them through Dehradun before reaching Rishikesh. Along the way, they made a significant stop at Gurudwara Shri Paonta Sahib Ji, a revered Sikh pilgrimage site located on the banks of the Yamuna River. This stop allowed them to pay their respects and experience the spiritual ambiance of the gurudwara, which holds historical importance as a place where the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, spent four years and composed significant scriptures.
Departure from Green Acres Resort, Nahan
The journey commenced from the Green Acres Resort in Nahan, a property situated amidst a dense jungle. The family departed around 9:25 AM, indicating an early start to their day of travel. The immediate approach from the resort was an off-road track, approximately 500 meters long, which the driver described as providing an "off-roading effect." This initial stretch was characterized by uneven, unpaved terrain surrounded by lush greenery, offering a sense of being deep within nature.
The driver noted that while the approach felt adventurous, especially having arrived at night, the resort staff assured them of its safety. This private approach road eventually connected them to the main highway, setting the stage for the longer drive ahead. The estimated travel time from the resort to Rishikesh was approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, covering a distance of 127 kilometers, according to their navigation system.
Journey Through Paonta Sahib
After exiting the jungle track and joining the main highway, the Ghulatis proceeded towards Paonta Sahib. The drive to Paonta Sahib involved a left turn from the main highway, leading them into the town. They observed a welcome gate for Paonta Sahib, indicating their entry into the area. The navigation system showed the main gurudwara to be about 4 kilometers inside the town.
Upon reaching Gurudwara Shri Paonta Sahib Ji, they performed a brief darshan from outside, acknowledging the spiritual significance of the site. The gurudwara is historically important as it is where Guru Gobind Singh Ji spent four years and where his eldest son, Baba Ajit Singh Ji, was born. The gurudwara's location on the banks of the Yamuna River is also notable, with local beliefs suggesting that the river's flow was calmed at Guru Gobind Singh Ji's request to facilitate his literary work. After their visit, they continued their journey, crossing a bridge over the Yamuna River, which flows peacefully at this point.
Dehradun and the NH 7 Drive
The route from Paonta Sahib led the Ghulatis towards Dehradun. They soon merged onto NH 7, which they described as a "smooth and buttery highway." This section of the road was characterized by its excellent condition, allowing for a comfortable and enjoyable drive. The highway was flanked by dense green trees, creating a scenic canopy that enhanced the driving experience. The journey on NH 7 was noted for its pleasant greenery and smooth turns, making it an "eye-catching" and relaxing segment of their trip.
However, their smooth ride was interrupted upon reaching Dehradun, where they encountered significant traffic. Navigating through Dehradun proved to be a time-consuming affair, taking approximately one to one and a half hours to cross the city. The traffic congestion was particularly heavy, forcing them to take a lower road instead of a flyover due to a right-turn instruction from their navigation system. Despite the delays, the weather remained pleasant, preventing the heat from adding to their discomfort. After finally clearing the city traffic, they found themselves on the Dehradun-Rishikesh road, which was described as a scenic route with dense jungle on both sides, offering a refreshing change from the urban congestion.
Arrival in Rishikesh and Hotel Ganga Kinare
As they approached Rishikesh, the landscape transitioned to a more urban setting, though the presence of the Ganga River was a constant, even if not always visible due to buildings. Their destination was Hotel Ganga Kinare, which they chose specifically for its private ghat on the Ganga River. The hotel's location promised direct access to the river, a significant advantage for experiencing the spiritual essence of Rishikesh, including the evening Ganga Aarti.
Upon arrival at the hotel, they checked into a family suite, which featured a sofa-cum-bed, a sitting area, a main bed, and a balcony. The balcony offered views of the surrounding town and, with a closer look, the Ganga River flowing behind the buildings. The private ghat was a key feature, providing a serene space for bathing in the holy river and participating in the Ganga Aarti, a ritual of offering prayers with lamps to the river. The evening at the ghat was filled with spiritual chants and the sight of numerous lamps floating on the river, creating a divine and peaceful atmosphere.
Practical Takeaways
This road trip offers several practical insights for travelers. Firstly, starting early in the morning, as the Ghulatis did, can help maximize daylight hours for travel and sightseeing, especially when navigating off-road sections or scenic routes. Secondly, while major highways like NH 7 can offer smooth and enjoyable drives, urban centers like Dehradun can present significant traffic challenges, necessitating extra travel time and patience. Planning routes to potentially bypass congested city centers or traveling during off-peak hours could be beneficial.
Choosing accommodation with unique amenities, such as Hotel Ganga Kinare's private ghat, can significantly enhance the travel experience, particularly in spiritual destinations like Rishikesh. This provides exclusive access to rituals like the Ganga Aarti and a more personal connection to the holy river. Lastly, incorporating stops at culturally and historically significant landmarks, such as Gurudwara Shri Paonta Sahib Ji, enriches the journey beyond just reaching the destination, offering opportunities for spiritual reflection and learning about local heritage.
Watch the Original Journey
This article is connected to the original Ghulatis On The Go video below. Watch it for the complete visual experience and conversations from the road.